Questions and Discussion
Topics:
Aeschylus Eumenides

1. How are the various patterns of imagery and themes developed in this
play? How are they finally resolved at the end of the trilogy?

2. What is the incentive moment of this play? There are two different
locations in this play. What are they and how does Aeschylus indicate the
change of scene?

3. The opening scenes of this play contained a number of surprises for the
Greek audience, departures from the conventional structure of tragedy. What are
these surprises and how effective do you imagine they were when the play was
actually performed? For example:

Who is the speaker of the prologue? What is unusual about what this speaker
does?

Who are the Chorus? What is unusual about their entrance? What is unusual
about their role in the play as a whole?

What is unusual about the third character to appear?

4. What is the major dilemma of this play? Compare and contrast it with the
dilemmas of earlier plays. How is it resolved? How is the resolution of this
dilemma related to the definitive end of the curse?

5. The middle of this play is probably our first example of a courtroom
drama. Which characters play the role of defendant? prosecuting attorney?
defense attorney? judge? jury?

6. What is the primary basis of the Furies' accusation against Orestes?
Explain the three counter arguments of Apollo. Which of these arguments wins
the day for Orestes? How is this related to the most prominent theme in the
trilogy?

7. The trial leaves the larger conflict still unresolved. What is this
conflict? Who solves it? How?